A Game-Changing Fall for NCIS
After more than two decades of solving naval crimes, breaking hearts, and rewriting the rules of procedural television, NCIS is preparing for one of its biggest seasonal shifts yet — and it might just breathe new life into the franchise.
With declining ratings in recent years, shifting audience habits, and an increasingly competitive TV landscape, this upcoming fall shake-up feels less like a risk and more like a revival. Here’s why the franchise’s biggest change might also be its most brilliant move.
What Exactly Is Changing This Fall?
New Shows, Familiar Faces, and Fresh Directions
The most talked-about change is the launch of two major spin-offs:
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NCIS: Origins, a prequel diving into a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
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NCIS: Tony & Ziva, a long-awaited reunion series featuring two of the franchise’s most beloved characters.
These shows don’t just add more content — they reframe the franchise. Instead of endlessly extending the current timeline, they’re zooming in on character-driven storytelling, deepening the mythology, and giving fans the emotional arcs they’ve been craving.
Why Now Was the Right Time for Change
The OG Format Was Getting Stale
Let’s be honest: NCIS has always delivered comfort TV. But after 21 seasons, even the most dedicated fans noticed the formula felt a little… predictable.
Crime of the week. Interrogation scene. Gibbs/Rule reference. Plot twist. Resolution. Rinse. Repeat.
The fall lineup finally breaks that mold. We’re going back in time, around the world, and into untapped emotional territory.
NCIS: Origins – A Deeper Look into Gibbs
A Prequel That Makes Sense
Unlike many prequels that feel unnecessary, NCIS: Origins has fans genuinely excited. Why? Because Gibbs’ past is legendary — and still mostly a mystery.
Now we get to explore:
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His early days in the NCIS
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His formative relationships (like young Ducky and Mike Franks)
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The trauma that shaped his famous rules
It’s not just nostalgia — it’s rich, character-driven storytelling. And with a younger Gibbs played by Austin Stowell, plus executive producers Mark Harmon and Sean Harmon (yes, his son!), this series has authenticity written all over it.
Tony & Ziva: The Return Fans Have Demanded
The Most Anticipated Comeback in NCIS History
Let’s not pretend — fans have been begging for a Tony and Ziva reunion since the moment she faked her death. This fall, it’s finally happening.
Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo return for a high-stakes, globe-trotting thriller that follows the pair — and their daughter Tali — as they try to outrun danger and rebuild trust.
This isn’t just a reunion. It’s:
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Closure for fans
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A fresh start for two complex characters
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A personal, serialized format that shakes up the procedural norm
Serialized Storytelling Over Procedural Comfort
A Risk That Could Pay Off Big
Unlike the traditional case-of-the-week formula, these new shows lean toward ongoing narratives. They’re diving deeper into:
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Character psychology
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Relationship dynamics
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Long-term suspense arcs
That shift aligns perfectly with what today’s audiences crave: binge-worthy drama with emotional payoff.
Why This Change Is Actually Saving the Franchise
Injecting Life Back into the NCIS Brand
Let’s face it — most aging TV franchises either fade away or fumble trying to reboot.
But NCIS is doing something smarter:
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It’s honoring its legacy while evolving with modern TV trends.
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It’s giving longtime fans what they’ve wanted for years — deeper stories, iconic characters, and real emotional stakes.
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It’s expanding its universe without exhausting the original format.
The Creative Talent Is All-In
Behind-the-Scenes Stars Are Returning Too
What makes this change even more promising? The people behind the scenes.
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Mark Harmon is back as executive producer for Origins.
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Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo are producing their own series.
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Writers who know the franchise’s heart are crafting these stories with precision and care.
This isn’t a cash grab. It’s a creative investment.
Younger Cast, Younger Fans
Broadening the Appeal
While NCIS has always leaned into a loyal middle-aged demographic, this fall’s changes open the door to a younger, streaming-savvy generation.
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Fresh faces in Origins
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High-stakes international espionage in Tony & Ziva
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Serialized arcs perfect for binge-watching
Suddenly, NCIS isn’t just something your parents watch — it’s cool again.
What Could Go Wrong?
The Risks Are Real, But Worth It
Let’s not sugarcoat it — big change always comes with uncertainty.
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Prequels can misfire.
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Fan-favorite reunions can fall flat.
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Serialized stories require more commitment from viewers.
But honestly? It’s a risk worth taking.
Doing nothing would be a far greater threat to the franchise’s future.
The Fall Refresh: What It Means for Longtime Fans
A New Way to Love a Familiar World
If you’ve stuck with NCIS since the early 2000s, this fall is a love letter to your loyalty. You’re not just getting more of the same — you’re getting smarter, bolder, and more emotionally fulfilling storytelling.
And if you’re a newer viewer? This is your perfect jumping-on point.
Conclusion
The biggest change in NCIS this fall might also be the smartest one yet. By embracing fresh formats, beloved characters, and character-first storytelling, the franchise is proving it’s not just surviving — it’s thriving.
So whether you’re here for young Gibbs, the Tony/Ziva love story, or just curious what illegal marine smuggling ring they’ll bust next, one thing’s clear:
NCIS is back in a big way — and this time, it’s better than ever.
FAQs
Q1: What is the biggest change happening to NCIS this fall?
A1: Two major spin-offs — NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Tony & Ziva — are launching, bringing new storytelling formats and focusing on beloved characters.
Q2: Is Mark Harmon returning as Gibbs?
A2: He won’t appear on screen in Origins (so far), but he’s heavily involved as an executive producer, guiding the prequel series.
Q3: Will Tony and Ziva’s new series be procedural?
A3: No. It will focus on serialized storytelling, diving into their lives, family, and ongoing threats — much more character-driven than case-of-the-week.
Q4: When do the new NCIS spin-offs premiere?
A4: Both are slated for Fall 2025, with exact dates to be announced by CBS and Paramount+.
Q5: Is this the end of the original NCIS series?
A5: Not at all! The main NCIS show will continue, but these spin-offs are adding layers to the universe — not replacing it.
